Malaysians should not boycott this year’s National Day celebrations simply because of dissatisfaction over issues involving the Rohingya community, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said.
Speaking at the launch of the National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign at Dataran Wisma Pertahanan, Khaled said national celebrations should not be driven by anger or disagreements over individual issues.
He likened Malaysia to a home that should continue to be cared for and protected even when its residents disagree with certain developments or circumstances.
“Malaysia is the land where our blood is spilled. Malaysia is our home.”
“As the owner of the house, we would not stop taking care of and decorating our home simply because we disagree with the presence of people whom we did not invite,” he said.
Khaled said Malaysians should not allow dissatisfaction over particular matters to prevent them from expressing their love for the country.
Instead, he encouraged the public to use National Day as an opportunity to strengthen patriotism and reinforce the spirit of unity.
He said a strong show of patriotism would also demonstrate to parties within and outside Malaysia that the country would not be turned into a platform for political disputes and controversies.
His remarks came after calls reportedly circulated on social media urging Malaysians to boycott National Day celebrations because of concerns surrounding the Rohingya community.
Some social media users also reportedly suggested attending the main celebration at Dataran Putrajaya while carrying placards containing sarcastic messages or demands related to the issue.
One user reportedly argued that Malaysians should use the national celebration as an opportunity to voice their concerns, particularly with national leaders expected to attend the event.
Khaled also called on Malaysians to use this year’s celebrations to renew their commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty.
He stressed that Malaysia’s independence and continued existence as a nation were the result of collective efforts and that citizens had a shared responsibility to build, protect and safeguard the country.
“This country did not become independent and stand on its own by itself.
“We are the ones who must build it together, protect it, love it and safeguard its sovereignty,” he said.
Khaled urged Malaysians to make a renewed commitment not to take actions that could threaten the nation’s sovereignty.
He also called on the public to continue praying for the country’s peace and wellbeing, as well as for members of the armed forces serving and making sacrifices at Malaysia’s borders.
